Is it too late?

[Murid]

I'm 21 years old. I've been overweight for all my life. I think it was a family lifestyle thing (my dad has an Indian takeaway and we would eat from there all the time).

Throughout my life I have never really been very active. In frustration I joined the gym around 4 times with no real lating results.

Today was my last day of the second week on the NHS plan. Week 1 I lost around 8 lbs (which made me worry since it's quite a lot all at once. This week I lost around 1 lb.

Sorry for rambling on!

My main point is: I want to be more active but don't really know how to do it effectively.

So far I just walk a lot and I'm doing the 5-week 'Strength and Flex' by the NHS. But I don't know if that is enough, especially at my age where most of my peers are very fit and actice.

I was thinking of running outside but I'm VERY anxious/nervous/embarrased about running in public since I'll just jiggle around. I don't know what to do.

Once again, apologise for the long message.

Any advice?

[Aj1997]

Hiya don't worry to much losing that much is quite normal for the first week you can read it up every where if you were losing 8 pounds every week then you should be worried stressing wont go anyone anywhere i lost all my weight just from walking i lost a stone cycling and lost a further 6-7 stone just from walking 5-10 miles a day and i came out fine I've taken time off but i'm getting back into to lose a further stone and a half and the one thing i learnt from it is that worrying never helps. About the running just put headphones in i get worried about people looking at me but at the end of the day i'm making a difference for my self and my health and if they are that shallow to judge then karma will probably just come bit them in the A** or just take brisks walks and slowly work your way till you feel comfortable sorry for the long reply if you need anything just let me know i wish you all the best with your weight loss journey

[Hidden]

I am 19 years old and have the same problem. I follow the NHS 12 WEEK PLAN. It really helps. I have to say though, the battle is in your mind; you have to keep fighting your mind in order to lose weight. I try to see it as a change of lifestyle rather than weight loss and i have lost 7 pounds already. Come on and join me!

[nhs2015]

Don't worry about jiggles. Think of yourself and the end result. I am 68 and am doing the couch to 5 k. So far I am just repeating week 1 until I am a bit more fit. and yes I do look funny but am doing it very early in the morning when no one is about, only the dog.

[gingernut49]

I did the NHS Couch to 5k podcasts nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... which were brilliant, and I didn't start until I was 63, having hated running at school! Don't worry about people looking at you - they're admiring your guts!

Have you heard of the 5:2 Diet? It's really brilliant. I'd tried many diets over the years but always piled the weight back on again. I lost the three stone I needed to in only six months but others have lost so much more. I know of some who've lost more than ten stone.

[KatyG50]

Hi there well done not only for the weight loss but for the change in your life style, it's never easy. If you want to run, put head phones on and either a hat or dark glasses. It makes you feel invisable. Good luck let us know how your first fun goes.

[Windswept1]

Well done for taking control. I recommend couch to 5 k to start with and don't worry about anyone else. You will be off the couch when they are not. There is also a great forum. healthunlocked.com/couchto5k

Beware though, as you will see on the forum, running is addictive. Good luck.

[Hidden]

I was surprised on joining a gym last July that it wasn't full of fit gym bunnies - quite the opposite! There were people of all shapes and sizes, definitely the majority were overweight, and no-one bats an eyelid! We are all there for the same reason. So take the bull by the horns, if you don't fancy road running, join your local gym. I go to Total Fitness and they have been great. Good luck, don't give up!

[Hidden]

PS it's never ever too late!